There was tension in Akure, the Ondo State capital, on Sunday following a clash between operatives of the Ondo State Security Network Agency, codenamed Amotekun, and officers of the Nigeria Police Force over the custody of a theft suspect.

The altercation, which began around Ijoka road near Sunday Bus Stop, reportedly stemmed from a disagreement over which security agency should take custody of a suspect alleged to have stolen property from a local church.

Eyewitnesses said the confrontation escalated, resulting in sporadic gunshots and panic among residents who fled the area for safety. The situation worsened around 2 p.m. when the confrontation moved to the ShopRite roundabout, near the Amotekun headquarters, where parts of the road were barricaded.

Confirming the incident, the Police Public Relations Officer (PPRO) in the state, SP Olusola Olayinka, explained that the police were first to arrive at the crime scene following a report made at the Ijoka Divisional Headquarters.

“At about 0800hrs, a report was received regarding a theft at a church around Sunday Bus Stop. The DPO promptly dispatched officers to recover the suspect and secure the stolen items. While they were performing their duties, Amotekun operatives arrived with a group of commercial motorcyclists and, in a commando-like manner, forcefully took the suspect and the exhibits. In the process, a police officer was injured,” he stated.

According to Olayinka, the Commissioner of Police, CP Wilfred Olutokunbo Afolabi, immediately ordered the recovery of both the suspect and the exhibits. This led to high-level dialogue between tactical commanders from both agencies, resulting in the return of the suspect and exhibits to the police.

However, tensions flared again when some Amotekun officers, displeased with the resolution, reportedly began shooting sporadically into the air. The police responded with tear gas to disperse the crowd and prevent further unrest.

The police spokesman stressed that no exchange of gunfire occurred between the two agencies. He reiterated the police command’s commitment to inter-agency cooperation, while urging all security outfits to act within the framework of the law.

“The Ondo State Police Command remains committed to maintaining peace, order, and the rule of law. We urge residents to remain calm and law-abiding as investigations continue,” Olayinka assured.